F1 | Wolff is not worried about the delay on Hamilton's deal extension
Mercedes team principal said there's no reason not to continue with the British driver, adding as well that the renewal of contract can wait even up to the eve of the pre-season testing
Today the renewal of contract of Toto Wolff, as team principal of Mercedes, has been officially announced on the social accounts of the German team. A different speech must be done instead for the fresh seven time world champion Lewis Hamilton who, despite the fact that the 2020 season is over, has still not renew the contract with Mercedes.
Toto Wolff however stated that Hamilton's renewal is just a matter of time, since there's no reason for both the English driver and the team to not continue a relationship that gave them so many world titles.
"From my point of view, we had such a successful run at championships in the past seven years, that there is no reason not to continue", said Wolff. "He [Hamilton] is on the top of his game and he will be for a while. And that's why continuing together is a no-brainer".
"If you refer to why haven't we got a signed contract? The reason is simple. We always prioritized about getting this championship done, and not being distracted by sometimes difficult discussions, as is the nature of negotiation. But then COVID struck".
"So it has delayed us a little bit, but we are not worried in eventually getting it done. We are putting no special date to it, because we don't want to be put under pressure from you guys [the media] while it's not signed yet. So sooner or later, it needs to be done. At the latest before we go testing".
Mercedes chairman Ola Kallenius talked as well about Hamilton's situation, stressing how the team's willingness is to continue with the British champion.
"I think Lewis Hamilton is the greatest, or one of the greatest race drivers of all time", he said. "I've known him since he was a teenager. I think his dedication and professionalism when it comes to how he has dedicated his life to being the greatest is remarkable and applaudable. And he's a nice guy, too. So we would like to continue this partnership. And then it's up to Toto in his role to get that done".
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